Baking soda is an inexpensive natural product that is safe to use around children and pets. It’s also biodegradable, and is therefore safe for the environment. Besides being safe and natural, it’s also very inexpensive. Many people don’t realize that baking soda has many more uses besides cooking and keeping refrigerators free from odors. Baking soda is one of the most versatile products available. It can take the place of many commercial cleaning products, and it often does a better job.
Baking soda in its purest form is called “washing soda” or “soda ash”. Washing soda is 100% pure bicarbonate soda, and it does a wonderful job of removing hard water deposits from faucets and fixtures. Washing soda is available in most swimming pool supply stores. To remove stubborn hard water stains, make a thick paste of washing soda and water. Use a sponge or rag, and briskly scrub the hard water deposits. After the stains are gone, use a little more cleanser and water to go over the entire area. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it to a brilliant shine. You’ll be amazed at how your faucets and fixtures sparkle and glow.
Dogs require regular bathing to stay clean and fresh smelling, especially in the summer months. Between baths, try brushing baking soda through his fur. Baking soda works as a dry shampoo to clean and refresh the skin and coat. Work it in with your fingers, and brush the dog thoroughly. His coat will become shiny, and he will smell as if he were recently bathed.
Did you know baking soda mixed with vinegar and water can effectively unclog a drain? Next time you have a clogged drain, instead of buying an expensive chemical product, mix together one cup of baking soda, one cup of salt, one cup of vinegar, and a cup of boiling water. Pour it into the clogged drain, and give it a few minutes to work. Before long the clog will dissolve, and your drain will be clean and clear.
You can also keep the lines to your septic system clear by flushing one cup of baking soda down the toilet once a month. It will naturally clean the lines, and keep them open and running smoothly. This natural product is safe to use, and it’s very inexpensive compared to the alternative.
To effectively and safely clean tarnish from sterling silver, try baking soda and aluminum foil. You will need a heat resistant bowl, boiling water, aluminum foil, and baking soda. Place a piece of aluminum foil in the bowl along with the tarnished object. Fill the bowl with boiling water, and add between ¼ and ½ cup of baking soda. The mixture will begin to fizz. Before long the aluminum foil will magically turn dark, and the sterling silver object will look clean and shiny.
Make your own exfoliating facial cleanser by mixing baking soda with your usual cold cream. The baking soda gives the cold cream a slightly gritty texture that gently exfoliates dead skin and removes dirt and oils from clogged pours. Baking soda is naturally pH balanced, and it’s gentle on sensitive skin.
Another type of natural facial scrub can be made using baking soda and oatmeal. Mix two parts dry oatmeal with one part baking soda in a blender. Combine the two, and make a paste using warm water. Apply it to your face using your fingertips, and gently remove it using a damp facial cloth. Your skin will feel wonderfully refreshed and smooth.
Keep plenty of baking soda on hand for these and many other unique uses. It is a wonderful product that has been utilized for many years for a variety of purposes. It’s an all-around great product that will not only save money, but it will safely clean and deodorize many things for a fraction of what commercial products cost. Try these tips, and baking soda will soon become an essential element in your household.
